The older brother of Abby Choi’s former husband bought a one-pound round-head hammer, two rolls of black kraft paper tape and one roll of double-sided tape at a Kowloon City hardware shop at about 9am on 15 February 2023. The items were later found in the flat where the alleged killing took place.
He is among three people charged with murder and preventing lawful burial in the trial over Choi’s death. CCTV shown in court captured the purchase. The shop assistant testified that he did not remember the conversation overall, but thought the buyer had asked about kraft paper tape; he brought out two rolls for him to inspect.
Footage also showed the buyer pick up the double-sided tape and make a gesture as if wrapping something. The assistant was unsure whether he had let the buyer choose a hammer. The judge asked the prosecution to let jurors and defence counsel handle a one-pound hammer to feel its weight. The assistant said such a hammer is usually used to drive nails and can also bend iron if more force is applied.